Nuclear standoff looms over Kashmir amid India-Pakistan escalation
ALBAWABA – Tensions escalate along the India-Pakistan border as both sides prepare militarily, while Kashmir residents ready shelters fearing renewed conflict. Also Read Israel denies British MP entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque
Residents of Kashmir who live close to the Line of Control (LoC) are making preparations for the worst possible outcome, cleaning and strengthening subterranean bunkers in preparation for the possibility of armed conflict. This is taking place in the midst of rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Families in the Pakistani village of Chakothi, which is located just three kilometers away from the highly guarded border, are preparing themselves for fresh hostilities as the two nuclear-armed foes trade threats.
A tragic incident that occurred earlier this month has resulted in a deterioration of diplomatic ties, which has led to the deportation of individuals and an increase in the level of military anticipation. The agony of previous conflicts was brought to mind by Riyaz Awan, a native of the area, who emphasized the critical need to safeguard the next generation. According to what he said to the media, "We do not want our children to go through what we went through."
The valleys and hills of Kashmir are home to thousands of Indian and Pakistani troops who are stationed in close proximity to one another, with the distance between them often being as little as 10 meters. Immediately after the outbreak of unrest in 2017, Riyaz and his cousin Shabbir Awan made significant investments in order to construct a temporary subterranean bunker. At this time, their concrete bunker, which is around 13 square meters in size, serves as an essential sanctuary. Indian army patrols on way to Hapatnar in Anantnag district south of Kashmir on April 29, 2025. (Photo by TAUSEEF MUSTAFA / AFP)
According to civilians, there are nightly exchanges of gunfire across the line of control as military action becomes more intense. According to the Indian government, cases of crossfire have been recognized, but Pakistan has maintained its silence. During this time, security forces in Kashmir, which is governed by India, are using mass arrests and house demolitions in an effort to target individuals suspected of being terrorists.
Fears were voiced by Saleema Bibi, a mother of four, over the conflict that has resumed. A great number of families will cram themselves into simple bunkers that are covered with mats or improvised mud walls since they do not have access to hardened shelters. Naseema, another inhabitant, successfully secured a spot for herself in a common shelter that was previously reserved for seven or more families. By stating, "It will be very difficult to survive in one shelter," she brought attention to the fact that there were not enough resources to protect both her family and her cattle.
BREAKING:Fighting breaks out between Indian and Pakistani forces in the Pargwal-Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir.It's not located along the Line of Control, but on the international border between India and Pakistan.
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